“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” – Flora Edwards
A Helping Hand
On March 8, our critique group will present a free conference at Ozarks Electric Building on Wedington Road in Fayetteville. A few years ago we decided that there are many beginning writers who can’t afford to attend pricey conferences, so Dusty and I talked about doing an annual conference.
At first we really weren’t sure if we could get good speakers if we asked them to speak or present a workshop for free. But, lo and behold, we found that many accomplished writers, editors, designers, and speakers were more than willing to teach. We offered to feed them lunch, and it was a done deal. We’ve had some top notch people more than willing to help out.
Our critique group has been around for more than 25 years and we’ve never charged to attend our sessions. We’ve seen a lot of successful writers as a result of bringing their work for a critique.
Many Hands
Today the group has two members who have started a publishing business, and as of this month Pen-L Publishing, owned by Duke and Kimberly Pennell, has published 17 beautifully designed and well written books. Two other members formed Oghma Creative Media as a result of meeting at the group. Casey Cowan designs book covers as well as being a fine writer, Greg Camp edits books and stories and writes too, and Jessica Brown handles promotion.
In addition, fine writers like Linda Apple, Pamela Foster, Clare Croxton, Jan Morrill, Jim Fairbanks, Joyce Zeller, Ruth Weeks, Greg Camp, Gil Miller and a newer member, Staci Troilo have all signed book contracts with reputable publishers since joining our group.
Dusty and I are so pleased that we have been able to play a small part in their success. We hope to see a good attendance at the free conference, scheduled for March 8. Watch the website for more information on the schedule. If you want to come, please register here: dustyrichards@cox.net vebrotherton@gmail.com
Velda Brotherton 
Would you post the address of the website? I went to one of the NW Arkansas writers website but there wasn’t any year posted with the dates — so can’t tell if it is an obsolete website. Also, under “events”, there weren’t any upcoming events. This is the website I looked at:
http://www.nwawriters.org/events.php
Velda, This is a priceless gift that you and your critique group are offering. With all that talent to share, I know participants will find inspiration and direction for their work.
This is a great idea and one that I plan to take to my own group in Oregon. Thanks for posting .